Understanding the Other Ukraine: Identity and Allegiance in Russophone Ukraine
Richard Sakwa and Agnieszka Pikulicka-Wilczewska, eds., Ukraine and Russia: People, Politics, Propaganda and Perspectives, Bristol, United Kingdom: E-International Relations Edited Collections, 2015, pp. 19-35
23 Pages Posted: 8 Mar 2015
Date Written: March 1, 2015
Abstract
The cultural and political differences besetting Ukraine are the product of very different patterns of regional settlement. Among these, the settlement of eastern and southern Ukraine stands out, for in these traditionally Russophone regions, political conflict has arisen whenever the legitimacy of Russian culture in Ukraine has been challenged.
This article looks at the history of Russian settlement east of the Dniepr River, explores the significance of the past for the present conflict, and calls for acknowledging the obvious reality that Ukraine is, at its heart, bilingual and bicultural.
Keywords: Ukraine, Russia, Donbass, Crimea
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
